Bardentreffen Nuremberg (Meeting of the Bards)

07/28/2016
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July 26 - 28, 2019

For the 44rd time, the Old Town will be a joyful stage for the Bardentreffen Music Festival. For four days music from all over the world will fill the streets of Nuremberg during the famous Bardentreffen music festival.

Bardentreffen in Nürnberg

The Bardentreffen in Nuremberg might be one of the most charming music festivals in the world. It takes place once a year on various open-air stages in the Old Town of Nuremberg. The traditional date is the first weekend of the Bavarian summer school holidays – when it’s warm and many people are freed from their daily routine, but haven’t yet gone on vacation. The multi-cultural festival draws more than 200,000 visitors from all over Germany each year and is one of the most popular festivals of its kind.

Why is the Bardentreffen in Nuremberg called "Bardentreffen"?

Bards were once the name for musicians who told stories and legends in their songs. The first Bardentreffen took place in 1976 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of Hans Sachs. The artists who performed were mainly known for their songwriting. Today, you can hear not only well known songwriters, but also other bands. Unique is the fact that not only well-known artists are invited to join the stage. One goal of the event is to discover and support young and less well-known musicians.

Stages are scattered all over the Franconian metropolis: You can enjoy concerts at the main market square, Trödelmarkt, next to the churches of St. Lorenz and St. Sebald and in the ruins of St. Katherine. If you’ve come with the family, it’s best to head to the Insel Schütt – on Saturday and Sunday, you’ll hear a special children’s program. Since 2013, specially chosen street musicians are allowed to perform all through the town. An event calendar and program gives an overview of the performers on all eight stages.

Once a year, the Nuremberg Old Town is an open air stage for world music

Enjoy the widest spectrum of music: joyful and colorful, thoughtful and quiet, traditional or experimental. At the Bardentreffen in Nuremberg world music, blues, folk, soul and pop meet. More than 70 bands – from world stars to newcomers – enthrall more than 200,000 visitors each year. And the best news: This highlight is free!